Imphal: The Manipur government has declared a three-day state mourning from Sunday as a mark of respect to BJP MLA Vungzagin Valte, who passed away on Saturday. During the mourning period, the National Flag will be flown at half-mast on all government buildings across the state, and no official entertainment programmes will be held.
Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh arrived in New Delhi late on Saturday evening and proceeded to Medanta Hospital in Gurugram to pay his last respects to the departed legislator. He stood in silence before the mortal remains, offered floral tributes and conveyed his condolences to the bereaved family. A prayer service was held in the presence of MLAs and members of the Zomi community based in Delhi.
Valte, 61, a Zomi tribal legislator representing Thanlon constituency, had been battling serious injuries sustained in a mob attack in Imphal’s Nagamapal area during the outbreak of ethnic violence in May 2023. He was subsequently shifted to Delhi for advanced medical treatment.
After nearly two years of treatment, he returned to his home in Churachandpur in April last year, accompanied by his wife. However, his health deteriorated suddenly on February 7. Taking personal charge of the situation, the Chief Minister arranged for an air ambulance to evacuate him to Delhi for further care.
“Pu Valte, please come back after you have fully recovered. I will wait for your return,” the Chief Minister had said at the time.
Valte was first elected to the Manipur Assembly in 2012 from Thanlon on a Congress ticket. He was re-elected in 2017 as a BJP candidate and served as Minister for General Administration and Transport. He retained the seat in the 2022 Assembly election.
Among those who condoled his death was Mizoram Chief Minister Lalduhoma.